Being a vegetarian is something which many do for both moral and health reasons, but unfortunately this can sometimes lead to vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiency happens because a lot of people don’t know how to replace the nutrients which they would normally get through eating meat.
While many people might worry that they can only get these nutrients from meat, there are plenty of ways (https://www.isaaxcess.ca/) to be a healthy vegetarian while still getting everything you need from your food.
Beans
Beans are a very good source of protein for everybody, but especially vegetarians, since they don’t eat meat. Protein is the main source of energy our body has, and it is essential for continued good health. People should be aware, however, that most beans do not give a complete protein, so they will need to supplement what they are eating in order to get all the nutrients.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens are vitally important as part of everyone’s diet, as they are an important source of iron, as well as folic acid, but vegetarians are advised to pay particular attention to eating them. Iron is what binds oxygen to red blood cells so it can be carried throughout the body, so it is important that you not be deficient in it.
Fortified Soy Milk
Most people get their B12 needs from the meat they eat – if you are a vegetarian, obviously this option is not open to you, so you need to find alternatives. Fortified soy milk has been specifically fortified with the necessary vitamins to allow for people to get needed nutrients without having to sacrifice their diet. This is particularly important for people who either do not eat much in the way of dairy, or perhaps have gone vegan instead of just vegetarian.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of zinc for those people who don’t or can’t eat meat. Zinc is essential for daily growth and immune system functioning, and while the daily amount we need is slight, we do need it. Whole grains allow vegetarians to take in the nutrients we need, as well as acting as a good source of fiber and healthy protein.
Nuts
Nuts are a wonderful source of fatty acids which would otherwise only be available through oily fish. These fatty acids aid in eye and brain development and maintenance, and so are considered essential at every stage in life. Our bodies do produce these fatty acids naturally, but only in small amounts.
Iodized Salt
Most people wouldn’t think about iodine being a nutrient we need on a regular basis, but it is something we need every day. There is some iodine in table, but not enough to justify the intake of something which is quite unhealthy in its own right. Iodized salt is salt which has had iodine added, so that people can eat less salt while still gaining the benefits of iodine in your daily life.